A nurse is collecting data from a child who has sickle disease and is experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Increased seizure activity

• Finding: Phenytoin level

The child's phenytoin level is 6 mcg/mL, which is below the therapeutic range of 10-20 mcg/mL. Subtherapeutic levels of phenytoin mean the medication is not providing adequate seizure control, increasing the risk of more seizures. The recent seizure history and the low drug level indicate a direct correlation between insufficient phenytoin levels and increased seizure activity.

Pneumonia

• Finding: Cough

A harsh, non-productive cough that worsens with activity and at night can be indicative of respiratory conditions, including asthma exacerbations. However, in the context of this child's history and symptoms, there is no evidence of a productive cough, fever, or other signs of infection that would typically suggest pneumonia. Hence, pneumonia is not the primary concern.

Liver failure

• Finding: Skin rash

Liver failure is usually associated with jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, and systemic symptoms like fatigue or confusion. The child’s liver function tests are within normal ranges, and there are no signs of jaundice or systemic illness. The skin rash is more likely related to eczema or a possible drug reaction rather than indicating liver failure.

Steven-Johnson syndrome

• Finding: Liver enzymes

Steven-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a severe skin reaction typically triggered by medications, including anticonvulsants. Elevated liver enzymes can be seen in SJS, but the child’s liver enzymes are within normal ranges. The rash described does not match the characteristics of SJS, which typically presents with widespread, painful, blistering rashes, not localized eczema patches. Therefore, SJS is unlikely in this scenario.

Pneumothorax

• Finding: Lung sounds

A pneumothorax would usually present with decreased breath sounds, possibly on one side, along with signs of respiratory distress such as tachypnea and cyanosis. The child has slight end expiratory wheezes but normal respiratory rates and oxygen saturation, which suggests asthma rather than pneumothorax. Therefore, pneumothorax is not a primary concern here.

A. Low-pitched cry: A high-pitched cry, not a low-pitched one, is more typical of increased ICP in infants. A low-pitched cry is not a common sign of ICP and may be more related to other conditions.

B. Positive Babinski reflex: The Babinski reflex is normal in infants up to about 1 year of age and is not indicative of increased ICP. It is a normal finding and not specific to increased intracranial pressure.

C. Insomnia: Infants with increased ICP may exhibit irritability and changes in sleeping patterns, but insomnia (difficulty sleeping) is not a classic symptom. The focus should be on other more specific signs like changes in cry and physical appearance.

D. Bulging fontanel: A bulging fontanel is a key sign of increased ICP in infants. It occurs due to pressure within the skull causing the soft spot on the head to protrude. This is a classic symptom of increased intracranial pressure in infants.